Authors: Emma Tubæk Nielsen, MD., Caroline Lilja, MD., and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD.

This chapter details the postoperative care following gracilis flap harvest.

• The leg is kept elevated following the procedure.⁴
• Compression bandages/pants are used for 6 weeks day and night, followed by 6 weeks in daytime.
• Anticoagulation therapy with e.g. dextran or heparin can be administered, if indicated by the surgeon.
  • An individual evaluation of the patient and their co-morbidity is necessary.
  • Both bleeding and thrombosis might potentially compromise the survival of the flap.⁸
• The foot is kept in a neutral position using a cast shoe the week following surgery.⁴

References

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